Harley Davidson Makes its Move with the LiveWire Electric Bike

You wouldn’t expect a company known for its gas-powered works of art to venture into a world where the engines are silent, but that’s exactly what Harley Davidson has done with its LiveWire Electric Bike. Not to worry, Harley Davidson has ensured that the engine on the Livewire will still produce sound—just something to let you know that it’s actually working.

The LiveWire electric bike is powered by an all-electric powertrain. The magnetic electric motor produces instant torque, and has plenty of power to keep up with its gas-powered cousins.

The engine sits where the venerated V-twin would sit on other bikes, and, unlike some electric bikes, actually does a fair impression. There’s no mistaking it for a V-twin, but it doesn’t look like Sci-Fi film either. The bike has a fully adjustable Showa suspension and Brembo brakes, and with the motor mounted low on the frame for a lower centre of gravity, handling is smooth and controllable.

The electric bike was first announced in 2014, but production is now slated for 2019. The rise of better batteries and better electric engines played a part in getting LiveWire into production, but perhaps the biggest reason for an electric bike is Harley Davidson’s goal of reaching a broader audience.

For over 100 years, Harley Davidson has been producing great motorbikes, but they’ve struggled as of late. Branching out into new fields is a must for survival, and LiveWire shows that Harley Davidson is ready for the move.